Flashback: Peterson carries Vikings to win over Bears in 2007

Back in 2007, a young Adrian Peterson was able to help lead the Minnesota Vikings to a victory on the road in a tough matchup against the Chicago Bears.

This Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears (both 2-1) are set to faceoff inside Soldier Field. Both the Vikings and Bears are coming off a victory last week and this early divisional matchup is very critical for each team.

Divisional games are always very important regardless of when they take place on the schedule. Both Minnesota and Chicago could be in the race for the NFC North title this season and whoever wins this week could play a factor in who finishes on top of the division at the end of the year.

This will be a tough game for the Vikings to win, no doubt. Aside from Minnesota’s struggles at Soldier Field, the Bears also have a good team this season and they are the defending NFC North champions.

Currently, the Vikings lead the all-time series against Chicago 60-54-2. One of the most memorable matchups between these two teams came back in 2007 when the Bears hosted a visiting 1-3 Minnesota team in Week 6.

This contest in Chicago was one of the best performances by Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson. In addition to rushing for 224 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, Peterson also returned a kick 53 yards to help set up a 55-yard game-winning field goal by Ryan Longwell.

During this matchup, Minnesota wide receiver Troy Williamson caught a 60-yard touchdown and linebacker Ben Leber recorded a sack and interception. The Vikings’ defense also recorded two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

For the Bears, quarterback Brian Griese went 26-of-45 for 381 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Devin Hester chipped in with an 81-yard touchdown reception and also returned a punt for an 89-yard score. Chicago receiver Bernard Berrian ended his afternoon with five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Minnesota ended up winning by a final score of 34-31 to improve to 2-3 on the season. This was Minnesota’s first win in the Windy City since the 2000 season and since this game in 2007, they have only been able to come out with a victory in Chicago twice.